I’m getting lots of emails from Design Mom readers who want to discuss the President’s remarks at the National Boy Scout Jamboree. I’d like to discuss this topic too. For those who aren’t sure what I’m referring to, it’s this: The Boy Scouts of America organization has a long-standing tradition of inviting the President of the United States to speak at their National Jamboree — 10-day gathering of approximately 25,000 Boy Scouts aged 11 to 17 that happens once every 4 years. Sometimes, the President is unavailable, and perhaps the Vice President, or someone else entirely, attends. But sometimes, the President does attend, and this year was one of those years.

The responses I’ve seen, read and heard have mostly been from families who are currently involved in Scouting, or were involved when their kids were younger. Additionally, the responses have mostly been appalled at the President’s remarks. The big complaints:

– The language wasn’t appropriate for kids.

– The topic wasn’t appropriate for kids.

– The President politicized the speaking opportunity in deeply awful ways.

– The President attacked the media.

You can read some of the responses from scouting families here and here.

My take? We’re an active scouting family. My 12 year old son, Oscar, leaves to a week of Scout Camp this weekend — in fact, I just ordered a uniform for him from eBay that will be delivered tomorrow. Our oldest son, Ralph, is an Eagle Scout (he’s pictured here). Ben Blair is also an Eagle Scout. I’ve been a Scout Committee Chairperson.

Our original involvement with Scouts came through Mormonism. Scouting has been the official activity for young Mormon men my entire lifetime. As a Mormon, I’ve raised money for Scouting, volunteered my time to help our local scout troops, and generally been supportive. But I should note, that a couple of months ago, the Mormon Church announced that Scouting would no longer be an official church-sponsored activity for boys 14 and older.

I am happy about that decision, and honestly, I would be happy if the Mormon Church cuts ties with BSA altogether. Though I think Scouting can be great for lots of people, it isn’t a good fit for every young male Mormon, and I don’t like that there are a whole lot of boys who feel forced to participate. Additionally, I have always been frustrated that Scouting requires much, much, more time, resources, and funding than the activities Mormons have for young women in our church. I hate the disparity.

So I’m glad that Scouting and Mormons are attempting a separation. That said, my 12-year-old son, who is still a Scout, is way into it. And even if the church cuts ties with BSA completely, it doesn’t mean that we as a family will cut ties with BSA.

I can also say that as an active Scouting family, I’m sadly underwhelmed and disappointed at the response to the speech from the Boy Scouts of America organization. Everything they’ve said so far, has been so lukewarm and wimpy. I think nothing less than a big, bold, denunciation will be enough.

I don’t know anything about the merger and don’t currently have an opinion on it, but I hate that fear of Trump would in any way prevent the BSA from doing what’s right.

What’s your take? Do you have thoughts on the President’s speech to the Boy Scouts? Does the speech, or the organization’s response, make you less likely to participate in Scouting? Do you think the tradition of inviting the sitting President to the Jamboree should be discontinued? Is the tradition ruined now? If the Scouting organization had ignored the tradition, and hadn’t invited Donald Trump, do you think he would have noticed? Was he even aware of the tradition? Could this whole thing have been easily prevented? If you are a Trump fan, did this cross a line for you? If you’re a Scouting family, have you talked to your kids about the speech? I’d love to hear.

76 Comments

Mrs. A

Our son is 10. He joined BSA for the first time this year (when he was 9). He is so incredibly proud to be a Webelo. I am from a family of girls, so had no prior experience with BSA. But, it has been amazing.

My son has participated in so many events and earned so many merit badges. He has become more vocal, more willing to participate in daunting tasks, and just braver about everything. His scouting experience has taught or reinforced the following:

* It is important to be honest, trustworthy and kind
* Often, service to others is the greatest reward
* Having training and knowledge helps you be prepared in emergencies
* Teamwork relies on attitude as much as competence/skill
* BSA is inclusive and accepting of boys from all walks of life
* You must stick up for your friends and stand up to bullies

His troop is wonderful. The leaders are an Eagle Scout dad, and an architect dad, and the kids come from 3 different schools. One of the most pivotal moments this year is when his troop won 2nd place in the Klondike Derby – a day-long event up in the snowy mountains where teams participate in a snow-show relay, sled-building, fire building, cooking, and first/aid rescue activities. They won several events, but the thing that put them over the top in one of the activities – knot-tying – was our son’s positive attitude and perseverance despite an exercise he finds frustrating. The team-building was incredible, and it was that weekend that I was whole-heartedly won over to the BSA.

Now, all of that said, my son is also old enough to find the current president to be confusing. The president’s conduct, statements, and actions contradict everything BSA and we, as parents, have taught him. I inwardly recoiled at the comments made by the president this weekend. They were offensive, self-congratulatory, mean-spirited, and just wrong. I am so thankful I was not there. And, I don’t have any words to explain this to my son – I can’t even imagine where I start. They didn’t uphold the BSA example, yet he was cheered by the crowd.

This same weekend that my son and his troop participated in our local parade, which was held just blocks away from the VFW hall where they volunteer. He spoke to several elderly men about his badges and his service projects. He carried a first aid kit in case anyone got hurt. This is how I see BSA and how I would like to remember the weekend.

I do very much want BSA to say something and to condemn the president’s comments. Everyone seems so afraid of this president. He is unpredictable and cruel. But, if BSA says nothing, they will be agreeing with him. Maybe if the BSA say something they will be suffer a backlash – but it will show our kids that the BSA really is there for the kids. BSA also taught my son that you should stand up to bullies. Perhaps they should now.

Beth

But isn’t one of the reasons the Mormon Church is cutting/reducing its ties with BSA because of the decision to allow gay troop leaders?

In terms of the speech, it was ridiculous. Every other presidential speech to the jamboree, whether Republican or Democrat, has been politically neutral and focused instead on “American values,” patriotism, good character, etc. I would be interested to know if some of the scouts in attendance were booing – did any walk away?

I think BSA should have denounced this speech more quickly and forcefully. I also think they should invite other political leaders to the jamboree and not Trump during the remainder of his term.

Jenny

No. The LDS church is a worldwide church and they are trying to meet the needs of the youth worldwide, not just in America. Also, just like Gabby mentioned in her post, the church is trying to address the programs offered to both the young men AND the young women of the church, which (again, as Gabby mentioned) has not necessarily been proportional in the past. If the church wanted to break ties over gay leaders, they would have done so years ago. I personally agree with Gabby. I’m happy for the break. Families that want to continue with the scouting program can join troops in their local schools, etc.

The Mormon Church and Scouting are still connected, and it’s still an official program for the boys aged 11 to 13 (and Cub Scouts is still the program for boys aged 8 to 11). My son still participates through his church troop. So if the issue was about gay leadership, I suppose they would have cut ties completely. Also, gay leaders have officially been allowed in Scouts for years now, right? If that was a deal breaker, I imagine the Church would have cut ties when that was originally announced.

That said, I’m well aware of the Church’s stance on gay marriage, and I don’t agree with it, or with any of the Church’s policies that so adversely affect our gay members.

Ellen

Ellen Kahn, an official at the Human Rights Campaign, criticized the decision and linked it to the transgender issue.

“While the Boy Scouts of America and society in general move forward to support and include LGBTQ people, sadly the Mormon Church continues to send a damaging message to their own youth that being LGBTQ — or being an ally to LGBTQ people — is not of value,” Kahn said.

Agreed. The Church seems to move backward on LGBTQ issues. It’s nuts. Especially when Salt Lake City has become such a gay haven. Church headquarters are literally surrounded by former and current gay members of the church.

Shelley

So my question to you gabby, is how do you remain a faithful member of the church while you see such hypocrisy and problems in the leadership? This is my struggle, and I am so genuinely curious and eager to hear how you reconcile your beliefs and the beliefs of the church with gay issues as well as feminism.

Christy

Oh, there is hypocrisy in every church because every church is made up of people. My church – not LDS – is not affirming and has no female leadership. I dislike it, but right now it is still the place we are supposed to be. I can’t make a difference I’m not there and speaking up for those being marginalized. I can have a greater impact when people know me as a “good Christian woman” who speaks up against injustice rather than a nameless rabble of liberals with whom they don’t have a connection.

Ashley

July 27, 2017 at 7:43 am

Christy, I’m so with you there. Same situation. I know I’m meant to be at my church right now, despite my disagreement on certain issues. I’m also in the South, so our body is “extra red”, making some people very reticent to say they are independent or left-leaning (people have approached me as a pretty open/vocal person in the past secretly admitting they are independent or democrat, but not wanting it known). For some people, I’m the only person they know who is not a republican, and I am able to have a lot of good conversations on why I believe the things I do, and why I think my views are Biblical (or can be – as even my pastors admit, there are salvation issues and non-salvation issues [gray areas], and thus there is room for discussion even when our particular church is relatively homogeneous politically). High five, Sister!

Jill

Meredith

My nephew is there for a couple more days. I’m interested to hear from the boys. Honestly? I bet they are more impressed by the concerts (Imagine Dragons!) and I hope more moved by Jeffrey R Holland leading Sunday lds services. I’m extremely troubled by the presidents remarks a well. And has a mom of 4 girls and one of 3 sisters, I too struggle with the disparity of resources dedicated to the scouts over the girls in the LDS church.

Yes. It would be good to hear from some of the scouts in attendance. What do they remember from the speech? Did they love it? Did it seem out of the ordinary? Do they understand the ways in which the speech was inappropriate? Did they know of any scouts in attendance that were troubled by the speech? What did they think of the bizarre Merry Christmas ending? Any Jewish or Muslim scouts in attendance?

Kim

I was sickened when I read the things Trump said in his speech at the National Boy Scout Jamboree. I hold the Boy Scouts of America 100% responsible for inviting him to speak. We all know that you cannot predict what Pres. Trump will say or do and I’m frustrated that the BSA invited him to such an important event and gave him a platform for his awful rhetoric. We are a scouting family–eagle scout, scout master, cub master, den leader, committee member and financial supporter–and I am so mad that the BSA, who has provided so many great experiences for our family, made such a stupid decision as to invite someone (anyone for that matter) that would say and do things contrary to the BSA core beliefs (Scout Law and Oath). The BSA needs to apologize to all scouts for what they heard from Pres. Trump that day. I doubt they will do it.

Kim

Yes, I read the same thing. Based on that logic, the BSA is telling their scouts, “follow our example and do things based on tradition or custom even if you know that it may be contrary to your core values.”

I feel like there’s a large block of citizens who continue to give the benefit of the doubt to Trump. They know he’s given inappropriate speeches in important, even sacred, places, and that he politicizes everything he can. But somehow they seem to think: Well. But he wouldn’t possibly be inappropriate with the Boy Scouts. Surely. He wouldn’t do that. He won’t cuss or bring up inappropriate topics. For sure he won’t mention Obama or Hillary in a negative way. Not at a Boy Scout event.

And then of course, he does exactly what he’s done at every other special speech so far, and is completely inappropriate.

At what point do all citizens stop giving him the benefit of the doubt?

I'm on the scouts side here

>>The Boy Scouts of America is wholly non-partisan and does not promote any position, product, service, political candidate or philosophy<<

Also really I think the lds cutting ties is deeply connected with the evolution to allow gay and trans scout leaders. No other way to see it IMO. It was only 2 years ago.

But it comes at a time the church has expressed reservations about the Boy Scouts' decision to allow gay and transgender troop leaders.

Two years ago, when the Boy Scouts of America voted to remove its national restriction on openly gay leaders and employees, the LDS Church said it was "deeply troubled" by the decision. It called the admission of openly gay leaders "inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church"

Yes, I imagine we all saw that response. It’s pretty darn wimpy. They don’t even reference anything he said, or the inappropriateness beyond the political aspects.

They could have published the same statement before the speech and it wouldn’t have changed what he said.

I think we need a stronger response that makes clear the BSA knows how inappropriate the whole thing was. It should include an apology to the scouts in attendance, and a commitment that Trump won’t be invited back.

As far as the church and scouting goes, I get why someone would think the separation is all do to having gay leaders, because yes, the Mormon church is super weird about gay marriage. But in this case, I haven’t observed that’s the issue.

There have been complaints about the association with Scouting for a couple of decades at least, based on lots of things, including resources required (as I mentioned in my post), and also the fact that many boys lose interest in Scouting after age 14. If it was really about gay leaders, I think it would have been easier for the Church to cut ties completely. As it stands now, Cub Scouts and Scouting is still a key activity for Mormon boys aged 8 to 13. That’s significant participation.

SCOUTS SIDE

“Wholly non-partisan” means they won’t engage. That’s who they are. Trump does not have the power to make people and institutions of conviction fundamentally change their convictions.

I agree Mormon church is super weird about gay marriage, not that I mentioned gay marriage. They also deny the basic humanity of gay people. It’s been widely reported that
they absolutely looked into cutting ties completely with BSA. I certainly can’t/don’t want to get into the LDS leaders head on this.

Ellen/John, it’s really not necessary to keep changing your name and email address when you comment. The backend of the blog still knows it’s the same person. I’m unclear on what you’re trying to accomplish by using multiple names. Are you hoping to make it seem like lots of different people want to focus the discussion on Mormonism?

As far as the Scouts being “wholly non-partisan”, I want to think that’s true. But if it were true, wouldn’t they have cut Trump’s microphone when he started politicizing the speech? Or wouldn’t they have not invited him in the first place based on Trump apparently being unable to give a non-politicized speech?

Elle

Trump’s wildly offensive speech is no surprise unfortunately. But BSA had an opportunity to speak out clearly and failed to do so. Their fear of repercussions is utterly cowardly in my opinion. How do we expect our young people to stand up for what is right, to not shrink from responsibility, when their BSA leaders fail to do so? The gap between the stated values of BSA and their behavior speaks volumes. As always, actions speak louder than words. And no one is more sensitive to hypocrisy than the young. The idea of BSA being afraid of the President of the United States is truly shocking.

Cynthia

Gabby, I appreciate this dialogue and your strong stance. You are the only Mormon I “know” so it is really helpful. I had previously wondered if your girls were also active in scouting and this dialogue brings clarity to that as well. There’s no question in my mind that the BSA should speak out, perhaps with an emphasis on their values. What an embarrassment we have for a president. The whole world chuckles.

My girls haven’t done Girl Scouts, though I think if we had stayed in Colorado they probably would have. They had several friends there who were involved and I can see it would have been natural for us to join in.

Tiny sidenote: My mother was a Girl Scout and we have the adorable beret from her uniform. The kids keep it in our costume/dressup cupboard.

Zoe

This is neither here nor there, but I’m so surprised that Girl Scouts isn’t as big as Boy Scouts in the church. I’m sure it has to do with the history of women’s roles and the financial backing or lack there or of the Girl Scouts, but I’m surprised to hear that it’s not an attractive activity or association in the church. What do young women have for organizations in your local church?

Emily

I have 3 girls, all of whom are/have been active in Girl Scouts.(in fact, I am a troop leader for my daughter’s junior troop) And a 6 year old son who has been adamant about joining Girl Scouts for years! This coming school year is his year to start Boy Scouts. We’ve been very excited about this, as my Dad, an accomplished, renowned, well respected Equine surgeon and veterinarian counted being an Eagle Scout one of his greatest accomplishments. We’ve been looking forward to carrying on the tradition with my son. But I admit I am questioning whether Boy Scouts of America is what it once was and whether it represents the kind of leadership we want influencing our son. Allowing openly gay and transgendered Scouts and leaders and encouraging acceptance of all is a great step in the right direction, but not denouncing the absurdity coming from the podium they lent to President Trump is ridiculous and self serving. Organizations that take on the responsibility of influencing young people must be clear in their message. Inviting someone to speak to the Scouts is tantamount to endorsing that speaker. They should be more clear in denouncing what was said.

Laura

The speech was so inappropriate…the rambling suggestive yacht story, the booing of a previous President, the negative references to government, the Merry Christmas comment. And so on. The thing I noticed when I watched some video clips was not just the boys cheering, but the adults in the crowd too. The politicians on stage (Perry and Price) can be seen giggling as the President’s rhetoric intensified. What a joke, right? Disturbing on every level. The President is expected to act with dignity and decorum befitting the incredible responsibility of the office. Did we scrap that? I missed the memo. BSA is letting potential financial gain of its president guide its decision making, not its values. Hard to look past the hypocrisy.

Meg

We have a Cub Scout as well, but will probably just avoid this whole thing because we didn’t participate in the jamboree, even remotely. That said, I hope the Boy Scouts do not discontinue inviting the president to speak in the future. There have been such great speeches in the past and I’m optimistic that there will be more in the future as well. Letting one bad year change all that feels too drastic to me.

It does seem like it would be a loss if the tradition is ruined. I sometimes worry that Trump has corrupted so many of our norms in such a short time, that when he’s gone, we won’t be able to find “normal” again.

Lissa

I’m grateful for your post Gabby–insightful, frank as usual. Trump’s antics are just abhorrent to me and a disgrace to our country. The reasoning for inviting him seems iffy to me. He didn’t do LGBT or Ramadan so it’s hard for me to understand why he’d want speak to the BSA unless it’s for the rush from the crowd. They wouldn’t have notice the lack of invite. As far as speaking out: I figure AT&T is more concerned about their finances than they are about ethics and morality so will not denounce Trump

Caroline

Thank you for this post. I welcome the opportunity to hear reactions to the speech and to the responses over the last day. I am so deeply troubled by the president and his actions on many fronts. On a day when he could have celebrated, in a true and sincere way, the accomplishments of the Boy Scouts in his midst, he put forward his selfish, egomaniacal self instead. What a poor choice. There was much to honor about the boys, their leaders, and this gathering — their service work during the week in WV, the connections they make across troops and states, the fun they have experiencing so many new things while gathered for this week — Donald Trump could not let this be the focus. He did not have enough self-control to let the day be about the Scouting event. I do not know how to sustain outrage, but what energy I have left for outrage is directed towards those adults in Congress and places of power who cannot stand up and say ENOUGH.

It’s true. He really seems unable to give a speech without making about himself. I too feel outrage at Congressmen and Congresswomen who seem to fear him. I attempt to see things from their perspective, but don’t really understand what advantage they think they are gaining.

Katie

In my congregation, the young women get the same number of dollars as the young men. I realize that this is the same in every congregation, but I think it’s worth pointing out that on a more individual level, it can happen.

I love hearing that, Katie! Though I confess, I’m totally skeptical. Last time someone told me their budgets were the equal, it turned out Scouting was a whole other line item on the budget. So YM and YW were getting equal dollars for their (non-scout) activities, and then there was an additional budget for Scouting (which as you know is ultimately used for the YM). Hopefully, with Scouting no longer being the program for 14+ year olds, budgets will even out soon. (And hopefully manpower required will even out soon too — there’s a YM presidency, and then a whole other staff for Scouting).

Bridgette

Alexandra Graves

I have a 5 year old, and I was considering allowing him to join Cub Scouts in a few years after they lifted the ban on gay troop leaders. After hearing this speech and their response, I’m not sure I can allow him to be a part of a community that won’t stand up to hate. Those are not the values I believe in nor the values I teach my children.

Michelle

I agree, Alexandra. I won’t be encouraging my 9-year-old son to join anymore. I was at Girl Scout camp with my daughter when Trump made his speech and was appalled by the deep, fundamental differences between his words and the culture practiced at the GS camp. No BSA for us.

Melanie

The University of Notre Dame also has any new President speak at their commencement ceremony following his election After many petitions to not allow the President to speak, the VP took his place this year. The BSA, like ND l, should have had better foresight and should have broken the tradition.

Michelle

The speech disgusted me. I only have one 18 month old son, but as soon as I saw the speech all I could think was “Please, let the LDS church cut ties with the BSA by the time he gets to that age.” (We’re LDS.)

But, having come from a family of 5 sisters and no brothers, I admit to already having a bias against scouting. My mother was always so frustrated at the financial donations that were asked of our family (above and beyond tithing) for the scouting program, while, as you mentioned, not near as much went to the Young Women’s program.

It didn’t actually bother me a whole lot growing up, but now that I’m an adult I understand my mother’s frustrations a lot better.

Elaine

I’m from a very traditional and very involved Scouting family too — but in Girl Scouts. People ask me all the time about my opinion on the Boy Scouts’ position on things (Trump’s speech, the ban/no ban on gay scouts and leaders, etc) and honestly, these positions are all an embarrassment to the universal values and ideals of the whole movement of Scouting. Although I generally regard the Boy Scout program well, because I think the leadership, outdoor, service, etc aspects are important for every kid/teen. Maybe it’s because Girl Scout history is rooted in inclusiveness and acceptance (the Girl Scouts is in no way affiliated with the BSA and I think by this point it’s very well known that the Girl Scouts stands for equality and diversity) but I just can’t imagine a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for children thinking any of these positions are okay. The BSA’s response was embarrassing and in my opinion lacked courage. This whole incident sets a terrible example for the millions of kids who are members — is this going to help create young men who are compassionate, moral, strong, successful, service-minded adults? Kids and teens are impressionable, and you bet they’re listening to these messages. It seems the organization needs to review the Boy Scout Law and explain to its membership how DT’s speech fit into those values. (Also, Gabby, if you’re looking for values-based activities that emphasize inclusiveness and even out gender disparities, put your girls in Scouts if they’re not already :)

Plus, in all of Scouting, you’re not supposed to be political. Scouts and leaders can and should promote civic involvement and doing good for different causes, but can’t and shouldn’t officially promote one party’s or person’s views because Scouting is supposed to be for everyone. Asking every sitting president to speak at the jamboree is fine — but once 45 started going off the rails during the speech, someone should’ve taken the mic from him.

Heather

It was a self indulgent and offensive. The partisan attacks, the heart-warming story of Harry Levitt humping his way throught the south of France on his yacht, the War on Christmas, it was all utterly ridiculous left the boys with no coherent message to come away with.

For their part, the BSA should not apologize for the invitation. HOWEVER with respect to the behavior of their honored guest, they should make a much stronger statement of disapproval.

Kristin

This was the first speech by Trump that I’ve listened to in it’s entirety (I loathe him). I watched it live on YouTube only because I knew that my 13 year old Star Scout was in the audience. I cringed as soon as he began. The speech was completely inappropriate for the setting and audience. I hoped that he could follow a script that would be short and innocuous, full of platitudes about doing your best, but that is apparently too much to ask.

My son sent me a selfie from the event that proves that he was not swept up in the mania (he looks miserable and angry). I’m hoping that he remembers the words of Jeffery R. Holland, who spoke during the LDS church services on Sunday, more than he remembers that rambling of the president. I, too, am disappointed in the response from the BSA, but I’m not surprised. In the past, their responses to issues have been very measured, as have the responses from the LDS church. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something more in the future. I, too, hope that the issues facing AT&T do not play a part in their response.

As a Scouter, wife of a Scouter and Eagle Scout, mother of an Eagle Scout, a Venturing daughter, and a Star Scout, I continue to love the program when it is done right. My family will continue with Scouting until it is no longer right for us. Trump can’t ruin it for us. I won’t give him that.

Tina

Thanks for the great comment, Kristin, especially the last remarks! We are fairly new to scouting in our family, but my son loves being part of his troop and takes the oath, laws, and responsibilities seriously. In addition to having fun, camping, learning new skills, etc., our local participation is a meaningful experience for our family to serve, contribute positively, and learn about our community. Our troop is welcoming, inclusive, and there is no place for hate.

Jodi

Ah Trump. I think really we’re going to just have to pretend these years and speeches just didn’t happen because it’s so ridiculous. Or like it doesn’t count, like that college class I had to take that wasn’t worth any credits. Just get through it. My husband is a scoutmaster, he is backpacking through the Tetons with his scouts this very moment, and we actually met working at a scout camp (how weird is that I know…) The balance with scouting through church is so tricky, it really doesn’t work well. But we value scouting and the fun and learning it offers to boys (and girls- those were the best and most formative summers of my life!) Just like most organizations, it’s full of crummy politics. I wish that what I experienced and witnessed those summers nestled between Yellowstone and Tetons was what BSA is to everyone everywhere, but I know it’s not. We were given such a treasured experience, which is why we’ll always love scouting.

Ellen W

My older son is a Tenderfoot and my younger son is a Bear, so Scouts has been part of our family for a while. I feel like Trump manifested the exact opposite of how a Boy Scout should conduct himself. My boys at the ages of 11 and 8 know our current president does not embody the values of how a true president should conduct himself.

I understand people not wanting to support BSA financially but popcorn sales are the primary funding source for our pack (we are affiliated a Lutheran church) and the bulk of the money stays at the local level. Please view it as a way to help boys in your community develop skills and values.

monica

I am a mom to boys who were cub scouts but did not go further. I have not read through the comments, but I am disappointed that BSA even asked Trump to give the speech. His values are directly in conflict with those of the BSA – he broke his marriage vows, cheats people who do work for him, abuses women , is a bully, and brags about all of his horrible actions. I do not think his position as president should have outweighed all of his actions and he should not have been invited.

Liz

Why isn’t the President of the BSA getting more flack? I would say there is a huge conflict of interest on his part and leadership should be looking for his resignation. Do people really want that as an example of how to run businesses? They can do it more quietly if required but get a leader out of there who can’t do the right thing because he chose to mix business and volunteering!!!

Kristin

It reminded me of a youth Nazi rally. It was horrific and yet not a surprise, for it is Trump. What really bothers me is the lack of response from the BSA and how we accept Trump’s actions and just move on. I am very ashamed of our country leaders right now. Why aren’t we marching in the streets? Why do we sit by and accept “oh “it’s Trump!”

Janee

I enjoyed reading your article. It’s very interesting to learn about the Mormon connection. I am African-American. My mother is from Louisville, KY where the first AA troop was formed. My sister and many of my cousins were Girl Scouts. One of my brother’s first jobs out of college was with BSA. My own sons, especially my youngest, really wanted to join last year, but due to my transitioning jobs (I’m an elementary school intervention specialist/certified teacher.) I honestly couldn’t afford it, but planned to make the sacrifice this year. I was actually looking forward to it, but this speech has made me change my mind.

I was raised in a very conservative/white town growing up in the 70’s. Many of the “Trump Voter” stereotype were my neighbors. None of the adults bullied me because they didn’t have to. Their kids were there to act out all of their parents views. Talking about Barack Obama and booing him will have an African-American bullied this week. His campaign rhetoric (7 months past the campaign), reminds children about all of the other hate filled things he’s said like “Lock her Up!” and “Build a Wall!” Kids who watched it on TV, will bring it with them.

His speech reminded me of that bullying behavior that many educators such as myself have worked very hard to change/eliminate altogether. So much progress has been made and, in the age of cyber bullying, so much more needs to be done. Young kids are taking their lives over it.

Trumps speech encourages bullying on every level and it’s very dangerous when immature children go out there touting his message and out on the street bullying people on his behalf. If their parents voted for him, the flames were stoked even higher. I have been on the receiving end of that entitled bullying and it hurts. What hurts most is watching the bully get away with it.

The BSA and all of America knows our President is a bully, but he keeps getting a pass and our kids our watching. They have been watching. No other person in America would have gotten a pass. Take away all of the political speech. This man started his speech with, “Who in the Hell….”. As an educator, that alone would have thrown me into ethics violation and out of a job.

The BSA said they were apologetic about the President’s political comments, but didn’t say anything about his inappropriate language. They didn’t talk about how this man’s daily behavior is the complete opposite of every core value that Boy Scouts are taught everyday and are part of the skills deemed necessary to be a strong, confident, independent person that knows how to uphold American Values (what we say they are anyway).

I’m telling my kids that the President is a bully and even though people voted for him, his behavior is deplorable. He hasn’t earned our respect. The BSA’s apology didn’t go far enough. I can’t let my sons join until I see that there has been a change in management and it is clear that the people at the top are practicing what they preach.

Nichole

I can understand why the BSA felt they had to invite the President to the Jamboree, but I also think they should have come out with a much stronger rebuke once the content was revealed. I can imagine its difficult as an organisation that teaches respect of government and public officers to come out against a President.

As a lifelong Girl Scout who earned a Gold Award (equivalent to Eagle Scout), I am interested to hear why your girls were not involved. I grew up as non-Mormon in a predominantly Mormon area (85% of the population) and yet there wasn’t a single Mormon girl in my Brownie, Junior, Cadette or Senior Girl Scout troops! I always wondered at this as a child, but now chalk it up to the enforced gender-stereotypes within the Mormon church. Now that I live outside the US and have two girls involved in Girl Guiding, I wonder if this has changed in the US. I now feel very lucky to have grown up meeting female astronauts, learning about coding and going on adventures, while my classmates were stuck with something called “Merry Miss”. I hope attitudes are changing within the church in these areas.

Heidi

It’s just so stupid… it would have been so easy for mr trump to give a good speech that was still a warmed over campaign speech: “you are the best people. 40000 young men who are the kind of people we need in this country. You’re smart! Hardworking! You boys are the ones who will make America great again etc etc etc.” C’mon, how hard!

Thanks for your blog post. I’m encouraged to hear that even some of the most conservative (Mormon) scout families also took issue with BSA’s lackluster response to Trump’s speech. Now that my son’s cub scout pack (in the Denver area) is in the thick of popcorn sales this year, I’m seeing and hearing the reaction at a grassroots level. From those we know, we’re getting an earful about BSA’s inept response and LACK of preparedness of Trump being Trump. It is much harder to sell this year. The reception in our neighborhood is much cooler than prior years of popcorn sales. Neighbors I know, who bought in the past have come right out and said they hope this hits BSA in the pocketbook and they want their comments passed along to the top. But BSA shut down its comments on its official inept apology. Another signal they’re uninterested in either hearing the backlash. They didn’t respond to my email to the president of BSA or their media relations. Another failed opportunity to respond appropriately. I really want to try and change BSA from within to uphold the pillars of nonpartisanship it was founded on. My personal political views are left of center but I’m so pleased to hear from someone more conservative recognizes the wrong in this situation. Thanks again for your post.

Mrs. A

Would you consider a post discussing this? As I mentioned above, our 10-year-old son has had an amazing BSA experience. But, we also have a nearly 5-year-old daughter who often asks why she cannot go to her brother’s pack meetings.

Will the BSA decision, in the light of the President’s speech and the general attack on women and girls in society, improve their reputation? Am I naïve to think this is an incredibly amazing opportunity for girls? Would love to hear your thoughts, and the thoughts of your readers.